Talk Sup’t. September 3, 2010
WELCOME BACK!!
School begins on Wednesday with our first full day of classes, then we will be off for two days as the community celebrates Rosh Hashanah. I wish everyone a happy and restful holiday.
We are fully staffed and prepared to start the new year. With the mix of new faces as well as familiar ones in the classrooms and offices, I am excited as I see the renewed energy that has been going on in the buildings as they prepare for the new year. Bulletin boards and hallways are being decorated, lessons are etched into day planners, and supplies are being stored into cabinets and drawers. These are all signs of a liveliness and exertion that is fueled by professionals who all contribute to new opportunities for students and a strong West Bloomfield School District.
There will be 19 Late Start Wednesdays this year, with the first one falling on September 15. The teachers and staff use this time for Professional Development, which makes a difference for the teaching and learning of all our children.
WALKING DISTANCES
Many students will be experiencing walking to school for the first time since we have instituted the one mile walking distance this year. I hope that students and parents have had the opportunity over the summer to practice their routes and organize neighborhood groups to walk with. Parents should be mindful of students having the proper equipment and attire for walking in regards to weather conditions.
For parents who are concerned about school supplies, please be aware that filled backpacks have been made available for those families that are in need, thanks to the generosity of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Our Children’s Fund, and Covenant Baptist Church. Please contact your school principal or social worker to obtain these for your children.
UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS
In order to bring a resolution to ongoing negotiations with the West Bloomfield Education Association, we are working through a mediator with hopes of reaching a settlement. In addition to the mediations, we are proceeding through Fact Finding. Two Fact Finding hearing dates have been set for October.
PCN
Our first District Wide Parent Communication Network (PCN) meeting is scheduled for September 16 at 10 am in the West Bloomfield High School Media Center. All are invited, so please join us to learn what is going on in your schools.
The purpose of the West Bloomfield School District-Wide PCN is to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas, concerns and projects. It is an opportunity for dialogue between administration and parents to gain a district-wide perspective and communicate on topical school issues.
The committee consists of Dr. JoAnn Andrees and a chairperson from each of the district’s schools. The Meetings are held monthly at different schools and are co-chaired by JoAnn Andrees and the host school’s district PCN chairperson. The principal of the school hosting the meeting also attends. The PCN continues the practice of alternating evening and daytime meetings.
The value derived from the PCN rests in each school’s representative having the opportunity to take information back to local school communities and vice-versa.
Happy Holiday!
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
